Gnm Nurse

1. Conduct physical examinationsNurses often perform a physical exam at the start of a patient’s visit to assess overall health. This can include checking temperature, weight, heartbeat, and blood pressure, as well as testing reflexes and examining the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. The exam helps provide an update on the patient’s health and opens discussions about health goals and concerns. Nurses may also pay attention to non-verbal cues, which can help identify underlying health issues.2. Perform diagnostic testsNurses often perform various diagnostic tests, such as checking vitals and collecting tissue, blood, stool, or urine samples for analysis. Nurses may also analyze results and share their findings with the medical team to ensure proper patient care.Attention to detail can be critical, as accurate testing helps diagnose patients and create effective treatment plans.Related: Key Nurse Resume Skills to Highlight for Career Success3. Record medical history and symptomsNurses may be responsible for recording and maintaining accurate patient health records to ensure proper treatment. This typically begins with gathering details about a patient's medical history, including past diagnoses, surgeries, current medications, allergies, and family medical information.Nurses also document any symptoms and vitals during the visit. If a patient receives a new diagnosis, medication, or treatment plan, nurses update their records accordingly. Keeping thorough and accurate records can be critical to providing optimal care for patients.4. Administer medications and treatmentsNurses can administer medications and treatments to patients under a physician’s order and may help develop treatment plans. Specialized nurses, like nurse practitioners, may prescribe medications independently.Nurses may also assist with tasks like cleaning wounds, changing bandages, and inserting catheters. Some nurses can support doctors with advanced procedures and provide emergency care for critical patients. Ensuring accurate medication records and maintaining IV lines are key responsibilities to ensure patients receive proper treatment.5. Communicate and collaborate with teams for patient careNurses play a significant role in gathering information from patients and relaying it to their medical team. They closely monitor and observe patients to document and communicate symptoms and relevant details that may influence diagnoses or treatment plans.This critical responsibility typically requires nurses to possess strong verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals. Clear and concise communication may also ensure that patients and their families fully understand the information they receive.Related: Communication Skills in Nursing: Definition and Examples6. Provide support and advice to patientsNurses play an important role in ensuring that patients feel cared for, listened to, and understood, particularly when delivering difficult medical news. Patients often turn to nurses for support and guidance as they navigate their diagnoses and determine next steps.By demonstrating empathy, nurses can offer comfort and direction during these challenging times, equipping patients with coping strategies and resources for both inpatient and outpatient care. In addition, bedside nurses may provide support with bedside care tasks, such as helping patients bathe and maintain hygiene, while also offering emotional support.7. Operate and maintain medical equipment and suppliesNurses utilize a range of diagnostic tools to provide patient care, including stethoscopes, glucometers, pulse oximeters, thermometers, and blood pressure monitors. Depending on their workplace and training, nurses may also operate specialized equipment such as intravenous infusion pumps, ventilation systems, and wound drainage devices. A strong foundation in technology and mathematics may enhance their ability to effectively use this medical equipment and analyze results.Experienced nurses may take on additional responsibilities, such as inventory management and ordering supplies, with senior nurses often supervising entire departments. Proper organization and timely restocking of supplies are key to ensuring that the medical team has the necessary resources to deliver quality patient care.8. Educate patients about how to manage illnessesNurses play a vital role in educating patients about medical conditions and providing guidance on managing symptoms. This may include explaining necessary medications, scheduling follow-up appointments, and outlining rehabilitative exercises or practices.Nurses may also communicate post-treatment care requirements to patients' families or caregivers, offering recommendations for diet, nutrition, exercise routines, and physical therapy. In addition, some nurses engage in proactive health education by speaking at seminars, assisting with blood drives, or volunteering at health s